Removal from a UHPLC

Where possible, we recommend not to remove the column from a UHPLC system before performance falls and the column requires replacement. However, removal may sometimes be required for instrument servicing or maintenance.

For more information on removal procedures specific to your instruments, please refer to the relevant section below:

Removal of Aurora and Aurora CSI columns:

1. Run 80% B for 5min at operating flow rates before reducing flow to 0.002 μl/min for 10min or until the back pressure has stabilised below 10 bar
   
2. Set MS system into standby mode
   
3. The nanoViper™ Fingertight Fitting can then be removed from the nanoZero®.
   
4. Screw the shipping plug into the nanoZero®. For removal of the column for extended periods of time we recommend placing 30μl of methanol in the nanoZero® before installing the shipping plug

Removal of Aurora XT columns from Thermo Scientific's Nanospray Flex source:

1. Run 80% B for 5min at operating flow rates
   
2. Reduce flow to 0.002 μl/min for 10 min or until the back pressure has stabilised below 10 bar
   
3. Set MS system into standby mode
   
4. Slide Nanospray Flex stage out of the safety hood before sliding the column cassette backwards from the XT Nanospray Flex Adapter along the column holder
   
5. The nanoViper™ Fingertight Fitting can now be removed from the nanoZero®
   
6. Carefully place the protective cap back onto the cassette and press firmly to ensure that the cap is held securely
   
7. Screw the shipping plug into the nanoZero®. For removal of the column for extended periods of time we recommend placing 30μl of methanol in the nanoZero® before installing the shipping plug
   

Removal of Aurora XT columns from Thermo Scientific's EasySpray source:

1. Run 80% B for 5min at operating flow rates
   
2. Reduce flow to 0.002 μl/min for 10 min or until the back pressure has stabilised below 10 bar
   
3. Set MS system into standby mode
   
4. Slide column cassette backwards from EasySpray source along the column holder
5. The nanoViper™ Fingertight Fitting can now be removed from the nanoZero®
   
6. Carefully place the protective cap back onto the cassette and press firmly to ensure that the cap is held securely
   
7. Screw the shipping plug into the nanoZero®. For removal of the column for extended periods of time we recommend placing 30μl of methanol in the nanoZero® before installing the shipping plug
   

Removal of Aurora columns from Evosep system:

1. Run for 5min at idle flow rates before switching off the flow and waiting until the back pressure has stabilised below 10 bar
2. Set MS system into standby mode
3. The nanoViper Fingertight Fitting can then be removed from the nanoZero.
4. Screw the shipping plug into the nanoZero. For removal of the column for extended periods of time we recommend placing 30μl of methanol in the nanoZero before installing the shipping plug.
   

Storage recommendation
For removal of the column for extended periods of time we recommend placing 30 μl of methanol in the nanoZero® and screwing in the plug supplied during transport.

High pressure risk
Removal of the nanoViper™ Fingertight Fitting from the nanoZero® under high back pressure conditions can damage the stationary phase bed and lead to blockages and poor chromatographic performance.

Performance impact
The removal procedure can lead to fouling of the emitter tip and poor column performance. The IonOpticks replacement guarantee is not valid if a column has been removed from a UHPLC once in operation.

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